A HIGH school teacher in Mpumalanga, who is accused of raping a grade 10 pupil, has been granted bail.
The 41-year-old Zimbabwean national was released on R5,000 bail by the KaBokweni Magistrates Court on Tuesday, 30 April.
It's alleged that on 14 April, the 14-year-old pupil visited the teacher's home for help with physical science. The teacher allegedly asked her to fetch her books. Upon her return, she found him outside. He then allegedly asked the pupil to take a textbook inside. Once inside, he followed, locked the doors, undressed both of them, and allegedly raped her.
The pupil reported the incident, which led to the teacher's arrest. He has been suspended by the Department of Education pending an investigation.
ALSO READ: Man released on bail 'kills'lover!
Through his lawyer, Nompumelelo Ngcobo, the teacher argued for bail, stating a need to be involved in the decision-making process regarding his employment.
Ngcobo emphasised the importance of his permanent job and dependents. She argued that continued incarceration would prevent his participation in the proceedings to determine his employment status, which would not serve justice.
Ngcobo also mentioned the teacher's permanent residence in South Africa. Magistrate Musa Mabunda found exceptional circumstances for granting bail and ordered the teacher to relocate from KaNyamazane to Mkhuhlu until the case concludes.
The case was postponed to 13 August for further investigation.
